Portable backdrop recommendations

[David Hughes]

Has anyone had good experience with portable backdrops that can be used on location for portrait work. I've seen the Lastolite ones and like the collapsible one with removable train but the stand they recommend to hold it (single pole with a grip at the top) makes the whole thing seem rather unstable and yet as far as I can tell there is no (sensible) way to attach the backdrop to a two legs plus cross bar stand.

Any advice appreciated.

Dave

[DougAxford]

I use canvas backdrops that we attached to an aluminum (aluminium for you) pole with a hole drilled exactly in the middle. Simply put the top of a light stand into the hole and you're done.

Large muslins are hung off two light stands with a support pole joining them at the top. Simply use clamps to attach. I can do it 20x10' for large groups or 10x20' with 1/2 on the floor for full length.

North Americans are not into Lastolite, but the same thing can work. Even though we do hi-key with white backdrops, it's definitely not the 'gotta have' like it is in the UK.

Hope that is some help. Doug

[David Hughes]

Thanks Doug

[David_Buzzard]

I'm not sure where to buy them, but I've seen backgrounds painted on portable projector screens. Worked like a humdinger.

David Buzzard's Technical Blog

[henryp]

Originally Posted by DougAxford

Large muslins are hung off two light stands with a support pole joining them at the top. Simply use clamps to attach.

If you're handy with a sewing machine (or know someone who is) having a sleeve sewn into the end of your muslin makes this A LOT simpler. All my muslins are sleeved.

[DougAxford]

I understand Henry. The problem is that I almost always use it 20x10 and you need another stand in the middle which means cutting a hole for it in the sleeve. Also, I found I can pull it tighter with the clamps and get rid of the folds & wrinkles. Just my choice. Doug

[ShinelanePhoto]

Originally Posted by David Hughes

Has anyone had good experience with portable backdrops that can be used on location for portrait work. I've seen the Lastolite ones and like the collapsible one with removable train but the stand they recommend to hold it (single pole with a grip at the top) makes the whole thing seem rather unstable and yet as far as I can tell there is no (sensible) way to attach the backdrop to a two legs plus cross bar stand.

Any advice appreciated.

Dave

Hi Dave,

I'm not sure if this will fill your bill or not but here is a link and a recommendation.
Velour | B&H Photo Video
I bought the black People Popper and use it for on site portraits. It is easy to carry and set up. The black fabric soaks up light so even if your light and subject are close to the background you still get pure black. I also have an extra length of material that I can add on for full length photos but I had to buy the fabric locally.

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